Pencil cactus care

Euphorbia tirucalli needs direct sun. Check the soil before you water.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

Care at a glance

Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Other names: Firesticks, Sticks on fire, Milk bush
Light: Direct sun. Put it in a sunny south or west window. It needs 4 or more hours of direct sun.
Soil check: Every 10 to 21 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
Humidity: Normal room air is fine
Feeding: Feed every 2 months in spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.

How does the soil feel near the bottom of the pot?

Push a wooden skewer or a pencil to the bottom of the pot. Pull it out. Look at it and feel it.

Dry: the skewer is clean and dry, all the way down. Water the plant.
Damp: the skewer has a little dark soil on the lower part. Do not water yet.
Wet: the skewer is dark and wet, with soil that sticks to it. Do not water. Check the drainage.

Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.

Use a cactus mix with extra perlite or pumice. The mix must drain fast.

The sap irritates skin and eyes. Wear gloves and glasses when you prune. Wash the cut stems.
Soft, wrinkled or dropping stems often mean too much water. Let the soil dry fully.
Thin, pale stems that lean mean too little light.
Keep the plant above 10 C. Cold air damages the stems.

Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets and children.